'She was fighting:' Family grieves mom, nurse who died from COVID after giving birth
Husband Nick Rose admits words come short, in describing the depth of wife Zarina's love, compassion and sacrifice.
LAS VEGAS (KSNV) - Husband Nick Rose admits words come short, in describing the depth of wife Zarina's love, compassion and sacrifice.
"She would put herself last," he said, "Just to make someone's day. That was Zarina. That was Zarina."
A beloved mother of five, grandmother and a former nurse is being mourned by her family after they say she passed from COVID this week.
"If I could tell her anything, I would tell her I love you so much, I know the lord has you," said Nick through sobs. "I got this, I'll take care of the family."
Her family says the 42-year old registered nurse worked on the front lines of the pandemic when she found out she was pregnant with the couple's son, Kenzo.
In the last weeks of her pregnancy, Nick says his wife was taking it easy on bed rest. But at 32 weeks pregnant, she tested positive for COVID-19 and her condition worsened fast.
Through tears, Nick says she was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency premature labor to save her son.
"She was fighting, fighting really hard," he said. "I know she was fighting hard because baby Kenzo was still in the NICU."
Then on a ventilator, her family says Zarina Rose took her last breath.
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"It's definitely going to be really hard without her now," said 13-year-old son Ricky.
Her children say they are numb without their mother's bright smile and encouragement.
"She was my biggest role model," said 21-year-old daughter Kyla who called her mom her "best friend."
"She always pushed me," Kyla said.
"She was just such a sweet person," said Von, her 26-year-old son.
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Nick says little Kenzo is remaining strong in the NICU, a sign he says, that his mother is watching over him.
"I said, that's Zarina. That's Zarina right there," Nick said. "She's so strong."'
Now juggling the joy of a new son, and grief of losing his wife, Nick everyone to know this about the virus that claimed her life.
"It's serious. It's not a joke," he said. "I lost my best friend from this, and I don't want to see anyone else go through the same"
A GoFundMe is now made to assist the family with this unexpected loss.
